Q&A: California Pizza Kitchen EVP on growth and leadership in the restaurant industry

By Tricia Contreras

California Pizza Kitchen celebrated 30 years in the restaurant business last March, and the brand rolled out the Next Chapter Initiative as a roadmap to its future. SmartBrief interviewed Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Brand Officer Natalia Franco on how the brand is innovating with an eye toward the future and what she’s learned as a leader in the food and beverage industry.

What is CPK’s Next Chapter initiative, and how does it set up the brand for future growth?

California Pizza Kitchen celebrated its 30th anniversary this past March and introduced its vision for its next 30 years, which we call our “next chapter.” CPK’s Next Chapter transformation takes the best of the company’s history and soul — grounded foremost in innovation — and makes it relevant to today’s consumer. This includes an elevated culinary experience through continuous food and beverage innovation, a world-class hospitality model and renovating CPK’s domestic locations with a fresh, contemporary look using natural elements and sustainable materials.